Pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, and growth hormones
compromise the safety and nutritional quality of our food. That’s why I encourage our practice members to “shop
organic” whenever possible. We are a wellness office committed to
helping patients adopt a way of life that focuses on preventing health
problems: not masking symptoms with medications. I highly recommend attending
one our nutritional workshops to be better informed.
Navigating Labels
Making Organic Choices
Choosing organic meats
The adage “you are what you eat” is particularly true when it comes to livestock. In the past, food animals roamed the hillsides and barnyards eating nutritious food and fattening up the old-fashioned way. Today, however, many farms are nothing but warehouses where animals are “locked” into cages and stalls. To minimize disease, animals are fed antibiotics on a regular basis. Worse yet, growth hormones are also included in the feed to ensure higher profits. The last stop for these antibiotics and growth hormones? The human body, YOUR BODY!
Figuring Out “Free-Range”
What does it mean if an animal product is labeled “free-range?” In theory, it means that the
animal was allowed to roam free and eat natural, nutrient-dense grasses and
grains. In reality, however, in most countries the designation means virtually
nothing. For instance, free range is
regulated by the USDA for use on poultry only (not eggs). Also, keep in mind that
organic meat “factory farms” also exist. While the feed is organic, it still may not
necessarily by as nutrient-dense as the feed of animals that roam wild. Unfortunately,
the only way to ensure that free-range meat products are truly free-range is to
visit the farm yourself, or shop at grocery stores with strict requirements on
what their suppliers consider free-range farms. A lot of health food stores
recently have adapted a numbering system to show the “health impact” of the animal and the farm
that it was raised at.
Choose Local Produce for Optimum Nutrition
More and more people are passing over grocery store fruits
and vegetables in favor of those grown on small local farms – or even in their own backyards. Advantages of locally
grown food include reduced environmental impact and support of the local
economy. Altruism aside, many proponents of eating locally – or “locavores” – say that local food not only
tastes better but is also better for you. The primary goal of organic
agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of a healthier ecosystem.
(soil, plant life, animals and people)
The Fresh Difference
The fruits and vegetables offered at a typical grocery store travel an average of 1,500 miles to get there from the farm. This means that they are picked several days before you buy them. Several studies indicate that the nutrient content – particularly vitamin C – degrades quickly once produce is picked. For instance, a red pepper may lose 25 percent of its vitamin C within 10 days of harvest, while chard can lose a whopping 60 percent of its vitamin C within a week. Ripeness also makes a difference, consider the contrast between the robust flavor of a home-grown tomato and the anemic taste of a grocery store tomato. Some crops, like tomatoes, must be picked before they are fully ripe if they are to survive the long journey to the market. Tomatoes grown for local consumption fully ripen on the vine, which translates into not only superior flavor but also a bigger nutritional punch. Vine-ripened tomatoes contain higher levels of vitamin C, carotenoids and other antioxidants. Diversity in fruit and vegetables options translates to a more nutritionally balanced plate for the consumer.
Organic Practices Mean Healthier Food
Unlike the all-at-once nutrient boost of synthetic fertilizers, composted manure and other organic fertilizers offer a slow and steady release of nutrients – allowing plants to absorb more of them. Organic methods also result in crops with deeper roots, which absorb additional nutrients. Other research shows that the excess nitrogen included in synthetic fertilizers causes crops to contain too many nitrates, reduced essential amino acids and overall lower nutritional quality.
The cost factor
The adage “you get what you pay for" is particularly true in the case of organic foods. While you may pay more at the checkout counter, you’ll save your health in the long run. How can you offset the cost of organic foods and other products? One way is by purchasing "in season. “Other ways to keep prices down, while you strive to keep quality up, include buying locally, in bulk and on sale. I am a huge fan of going to the local farmers market which tends to satisfy all of the solutions discussed in this article, supports your community, and makes it easier to eat healthier for you and your entire family!
No comments:
Post a Comment